May 5, 2011
NYC May Day Rally, photo by Javier Soriano
New York, NY- After a year of attacks to erode public employee union and immigrant rights, unity was forged for the most profound May 1st marches and rallies seen in recent years. Calls for the right to organize for every worker for good jobs, a legalization program for all immigrants, and an end to the continued marginalization of African-American workers found common cause among a diverse array of workers.
Under the banner of “A Day Without Workers,” May Day United, a national network of over sixty leading worker and community-based organizations, encouraged people to take part in May 1st actions and avoid work, shopping, and school-related activities. On Sunday, over 50 events took place in cities and towns across the country. The coming together of a wide range of folks is strengthening the resolve of communities to continue fighting for the rights of all hard working people in the U.S.
Seattle May Day March, photo by John Fisher
“This May Day made it very clear that there is a profound alliance forming between traditional labor and immigrant rights organizations. We must continue to work together if we are to successfully advance the right of all workers documented or not,” said Cinthya Muñoz of Causa Justa :: Just Cause. “Never forget that an injury to one is an injury to all.”
From New York City to San Francisco, groups were united like never before. In Milwaukee, the national AFL-CIO President, Richard Trumka, and other labor leaders joined a rally organized by Voces de la Frontera which drew over 100,000 people in the streets. New York City saw two separately organized rallies converge into one and across the country workers showed strength through unity.
